Stephen Mok, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Since ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1) target different pathways, it’s not entirely surprising that these checkpoint inhibitors are associated with different types of patient responses. For example, anti-CTLA-4 treatment mediates extremely durable responses, while anti-PD-1 treatment can promote higher initial response rates. To figure out what is responsible for this, Dr. Mok is determining how each of these treatments affect memory T cell development, which allows the immune system to provide long-term, durable protection against cancer. Once it is known how each of these treatments influences potential long-term anti-tumor activity, then steps can be taken to amplify these effects and improve patient outcomes.

Projects and Grants